Thu, 10 Apr 2025

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 Do we need cocoa-free chocolate and is it nice?

Cocoa prices are soaring so new chocolate firms are looking at an alternative ingredient.

* Chocolate prices have soared in Europe, with a 9% average increase in 2024 and a 14% jump in January.
* The wholesale price of cocoa has increased by 300% in 2024 due to climate change-related weather impacts on cacao farms, particularly in West Africa.
* Several companies are developing chocolate alternatives made from non-cocoa ingredients such as sunflower seeds (ChoViva) and fava beans (Nukoko).
* Foreverland makes a carob-based dark chocolate alternative that is sweeter and more caramel-like than real dark chocolate.
* These alternatives aim to fill the gap in the market caused by volatility in cocoa availability and prices, rather than replace traditional chocolate.
* However, there are concerns about the potential impact on cacao farmers if these alternatives gain popularity.
* Experts suggest that interventions such as shading cacao trees or improving pollination could help reduce volatility in cocoa supplies.
  >>